Ghost Light, Marvel’s new cosmic hero, is Black

The once human character is now a superhero, envisioned by UCR professor John Jennings.

By Sandra Baltazar Martínez | | Arts / Culture

Shang-Chi, an Asian superhero on the big screen

Marvel’s first Asian film protagonist marks many milestones.

By Sandra Baltazar Martínez | | Arts / Culture

‘Marvel’s 616’ Disney+ TV show features UCR graphic novelist John Jennings

Jennings discusses the importance of representation in comics in the new documentary series debuting Nov. 20

By Jessica Weber | | Arts / Culture

Graphic Novelist John Jennings reflects on relevance of X-Men story ‘God Loves, Man Kills’ in an essay for Marvel

In an essay for Marvel, John Jennings, a professor of media and cultural studies, reflects on the 1982 graphic novel “X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills” by Chris Claremont and Brent Anderson, which is being re-released this year in a two-part extended cut. “Solving for X: ‘God Loves, Man Kills’ Through...

By UCR News | | Arts / Culture

Afrofuturist comics and writing ‘in a time of great calamity’

Nalo Hopkinson and John Jennings to discuss their recent graphic novels and the importance of black speculative fiction at June 25 event

By Jessica Weber | | Arts / Culture

Graphic Novelist John Jennings pens essay for Marvel’s forthcoming “Marvel’s Voices” anthology

In an essay for Marvel, Jennings lends his voice to discuss the forthcoming “Marvel’s Voices,” a new one-shot anthology series.

By UCR News | | Arts / Culture

Decoding race, monstrosity, and desire in ‘Candyman’

“Reflection Eternal,” on view at the Culver Center of the Arts Aug. 31-Jan. 19, unpacks the iconic horror film figure

By Jessica Weber | | Arts / Culture

Deconstructing the indestructible ‘Luke Cage’

“How do you show that he’s bulletproof?” asks artist and University of California, Riverside professor John Jennings, while discussing Marvel superhero Luke Cage. “You have to shoot him. You have to have a black man during the Black Lives Matter movement shot every episode to prove that he’s bulletproof. And...

By Jessica Weber | | Arts / Culture

Graphic Novel Adaptation of “Kindred” Nominated for Eisner Award

John Jennings discusses the challenge of transforming the beloved classic into a best-selling graphic novel.

By Jessica Weber | | Arts / Culture